Sampati's Revelation
As the monkeys were considering ending their own lives, the vulture Sampati appeared. He was Jatayu's older brother and was known for his bravery. He was pleased at the thought that the monkeys would perish one by one, making for a plentiful meal for him. Sampati said to himself, "Surely the creator cares for all creatures and provides for their needs. I will soon have the meal I have been longing for."
"The vulture Jatayu was fortunate," Angad told Hanuman. "After being killed in a battle with Ravan, he attained a hero's departure and went straight to heaven. Emperor Dasharath's death, the killing of Jatayu, and the kidnapping of Seeta have caused the monkeys' current plight."
Hearing Angad's words made Sampati curious, and he approached Angad to hear the entire story of his dear younger brother Jatayu's death. Learning about his brother's sad demise caused Sampati's eyes to tear up.
"I have become old and don't even have feathers now, so I will have to endure this humiliation," said Sampati. "I am not strong enough to avenge my brother's death." Using his distant vision, Sampati saw that Seeta was being held captive in the golden city of Lanka on the other side of the ocean. Demonesses surrounded her. Everything Sampati told the monkeys about Seeta caused them to see a ray of hope.
"One of you must try to cross the ocean," added Sampati. "Then you will certainly find Seeta. Please take me to the bank. There, I wish to offer libations of water to the gods for my brother's soul to rest in peace." The monkeys were delighted to hear the news about Seeta and happily took Sampati to the ocean bank. When the monkeys reached the shore, the ocean's vastness terrified them.
"Brave monkeys, do not fear. Fear is your greatest enemy," said monkey prince Angad. "You can easily defeat humans or any other creatures. Those who lose courage when faced with a situation cannot achieve anything." In the morning, Angad consulted senior monkeys and bears. Angad and Hanuman were the only ones in the group who could control the enormous monkey army.
"Who among you can cross the sea and fulfill Monkey King Sugreev's promises?" Angad addressed the monkey army. "Which of you can leap a distance of a hundred yojanas and free the rest of the monkeys from fear? Step forward and show us how brave you are."